Proud to Launch our Poppy Bus

Stagecoach Merseyside, Chester and South Lancashire has teamed up with the Royal British Legion to create a commemorative Poppy bus.

The specially designed double decker features a host of giant poppies, the symbol of remembrance and hope, as well as the Royal British Legion’s tagline ‘Live On’.

It will be officially unveiled on Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24 June). The Poppy bus will remain in operation throughout the year.

Across the entire weekend (24 - 25 June), Stagecoach will also be offering free travel to armed forces personnel carrying a military ID card and to veterans carrying a veteran’s badge in Merseyside, Chester and South Lancashire.

In addition to free travel, Stagecoach will run a complimentary shuttle bus for veterans between Liverpool Lime Street and Castle Street for the parade on Saturday - this will be the poppy bus's first outing. The pick-up location for the shuttle bus will be outside Wetherspoons The North Western on Lime Street.

It will run on a loop between 9am and 10.30am, with services departing from the Lime Street stop at 9am, 9.30am, 10am and 10.30am.

Armed Forces Day is a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

Rob Jones, managing director at Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire said; “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Royal British Legion. The work that they undertake to support and care for our veterans and Serving personnel is outstanding. It is only right that we support them in this important work.

“We are committed to be supporting our Armed Forces communities across the North West, not only this weekend but throughout the year.”

Alan Whitmore, community fundraising manager for North West at The Royal British Legion, said: “We are so delighted and extremely grateful to Stagecoach for providing this opportunity to have a wonderfully decorated Poppy Bus to help raise awareness of the vital importance of Armed Forces Day and for the coming months in the lead up to the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance.

“As we approach the centenary of the end of World War I it is more crucial than ever to keep the memory of the fallen precious. We are so proud to be the Custodians of this Remembrance. However, we also want to remind everyone of our work and service to help the future of those very much still living.”

In last year, the Royal British Legion responded to over 450,000 calls for help from veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Money raised by the Legion goes towards assisting these people, providing them with innovative care and support.

In March 2015, Stagecoach Group signed the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in support of the Armed Forces Community. As a signatory of the Covenant, the company recognises the value serving personnel; regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to both the country and businesses across the country.

Later the same year the company was awarded the silver award through the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.